2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek problems, complaints & recalls

2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek recalls (1)

• Recall 15V366000Jun 12, 201571,710 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.

  Risk: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

Recent 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 2, 2026NYCrashTowedBrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I started the car up in a parking spot located in [XXX]. When I shifted it into drive, it immediately took off, and when I repeatedly hit the brake, it wouldn't stop. It hit a parked car about a car and a half length in front of me, which hit another parked car in front of it; both were damaged. The front of my car was severely damaged, and the engine shut down. I was able to start it up and move it back to its original parking spot and shut it down. A police report was…

   NHTSA complaint #11768589 · source
2. Filed Sep 2, 202659,900 miNYTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2015 Subaru XV Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH, the vehicle stalled and bucked, with a grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. Additionally, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with…

   NHTSA complaint #11761654 · source
3. Filed May 14, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   I am filing a complaint regarding a major CVT transmission failure in my 2015 Subaru Crosstrek at approximately 117,318 miles. Prior to failure, there were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or significant indications of impending transmission failure. The only noticeable symptom was a slight whistling noise coming from the vehicle shortly before the transmission issue became severe. The sudden nature of the failure created a safety concern because the vehicle’s ability…

   NHTSA complaint #11737827 · source
4. Filed Dec 23, 2025HIEngine

   While driving at normal operating speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power with no prior warning. There were no dashboard alerts, warning lights, or check engine indicators before the failure occurred. The vehicle became immediately unsafe to operate and had to be pulled over in a main highway center lane divide. After inspection by a licensed mechanic, it was determined that the engine suffered catastrophic internal failure due to oil and…

   NHTSA complaint #11706903 · source
5. Filed Nov 10, 2025COSuspension

   UNKNOWN exact cause. Rear end of vehicle suddenly appears lower than normal. Suspension seems to be issue. Feels as though vehicle lost suspension in rear with no obvious outward cause. Awaiting inspection at dealership. Does not seem safe to drive in current condition with unknown cause of issue at this time. having vehicle towed to dealership for further diagnostics today.

   NHTSA complaint #11698505 · source
6. Filed Aug 9, 2025WABody & StructureOther / Unknown

   Sunroof exploded for no reason Comments: My son was driving on freeway in Durham North Carolina last night, our 2015 Subaru Crosstrek XV Touring’s sunroof just exploded for no reason at [XXX] in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint #11679610 · source
7. Filed Apr 9, 2025CAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Pressing the horn button on the steering wheel does not sound the horn. However, pushing the “lock” or “panic” button on the key fob still makes the horn beep. So the horn itself works, but pressing on the steering wheel does absolutely nothing. Other buttons on the steering column still work (cruise control, radio controls, etc). Only pressing the horn button doesn’t work thus making me unable to alert other drivers of my presence if they are drifting toward me. This has…

   NHTSA complaint #11653762 · source
8. Filed May 17, 2024HIEngine

   Oil leaking into coolant system. Car has been through several repairs but the problem continues even after multiple repairs of possible source of leakage. Potential hazard or car catching on fire with leaking oil fluid.

   NHTSA complaint #11589391 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology